Baby Sign Language Games
Many baby sign language signs can come to life while playing games! What better way for your baby to learn baby sign language better and faster.  Where is ...? Sign Game
This game is ideal for toddlers 14 to 18 months. While your child is looking at you, put a toy or a something special to them out of sight, but within a few crawls or steps. Sign "Where" (the American Sign Language for 'where' is using waving your 'pointer' hand from side to side, pivoting at the wrist). Make sure that you have in inquisitive look on your face. Then show the sign for that particular object. Your child will look for the object and when he finds it, give them a hug! Repeat the game, finding a different hiding place each time. Book Reading Sign Game
Read picture books to you child. Animals and First Word books are great to encourage baby sign language. For instance, As you see the picture of a dog, say the "Dog". Make the sound of the dog (woof woof). Then sign it's name ('Dog' sign is snapping your fingers - just like you'd call a dog). We're Going on a Journey Sign Game
This is similar to the Book Reading Game, but this time, you are taking walks or field trips with your child. Exploring your surrounding is a great way to introduce baby signs. Instead of using a stroller, use a baby carrier so that your baby can have a better view of your facial expression and your hands when you introduce the signs. For instance, this is very useful when going to the zoo. First say the name of the animal, then the sound. And lastly the sign. You can even sing (or recite) this song: We're going on a journey
What do we see?
We see an elephant (show the sign simultaneously)
As big as can be! (use appropriate adjective to describe animal or object)
What's in the Bag Game
Place different objects inside a bag or box. Allow your baby to pull out each object one at a time. Show him the appropriate sign with enthusiasm! Objects can be animal toys, balls, flowers and fruits. Sign Book Game
Create a sign book for your baby. Place photos of your family members inside and teach the signs for mother, faither, baby, sister, brother. Photos of pets and animals are also a good idea. Think of the signs you wish to teach your child and spend time together searching for pictures of these objects in old magazines, postcards or calendars. Cut them out and glue these into your baby's sign book as well.
Some snapshots of Faith at 10 months "talking" with her hands. I started teaching her baby sign language when she was seven months. Click on the photo to see Quicktime movie.
Note: If you do not have Quicktime movie, you can download here.
 "Milk" |
 "More". |
 "Fish" |
 "Cat" |
 "Ball" |
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